Gentle Acts of Subversion: The Genpei Akasegawa Exhibition
Christopher Stephens
There has probably never been a better ambassador for Japanese contemporary art than Genpei Akasegawa. Universally admired and profusely talented, Akasegawa made his name in fine art, but went on to draw manga, take photographs, and write countless books on an array of subjects. His fine art was obscure enough to earn the praise of hardcore enthusiasts, and his writing accessible enough to attract a wide readership. more...
Bridging Earth and Heaven: The Photography and Writings of Edward Levinson
Susan Rogers Chikuba
While I have never seen Ed Levinson without a camera, the accomplished photographer, author, and 35-year resident of Japan does tell good stories about the many times he has had to dash, at the mercy of the muse, to grab one. A choice selection of his serendipitous encounters with nature and other confluences of light is now on display through May 23 at Art Gallery M84 in Ginza, Tokyo. more...
At Play in the Fields of Time: Takashi Ishida's Billowing Light
Alan Gleason
Multimedia art has become so commonplace that artists who combine sight with sound, and sometimes touch, are a dime a dozen these days. Nowhere is this truer than in Japan, where cutting-edge technology is the driving force in so many realms of endeavor, not least the creative arts. As they say, though, genius will out, and it is always a thrill to come across someone with a conception so original and compelling that it grabs technology and runs with it, shaping it to its own ends, rather than merely toying with the latest gadgetry. Takashi Ishida is one such force to be reckoned with. more...
